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Beginnings

For the past five months, Patrick and Allison have been following a certain path, seeking the Lord's will for their career and future. We have held an ongoing conversation with the Dalton Gardens Church of Christ in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho (pictures), which has been seeking youth and children's ministers. You can follow some of that conversation here. We have had several phone conversations, many hours of thoughtful prayer (on each side) and finally, a visit.

Friday, March 23, 2007, Allison and I boarded a plane bound for Spokane, Washington. We were met at the the airport by Michael Lewis (the senior minister for the Dalton Gardens church) and his wife Carmen. After a short drive to Coeur d'Alene, lunch and a brief orientation, the fun began. Over the course of this weekend, Patrick led two devotionals and taught a Sunday morning class for the teens; he and Allison participated in four Question and Answer sessions with various groups from the congregation, a meeting regarding the Children's Ministry and a meeting with the elders of the church.

After a whirlwind weekend ( - 10 KB), three of the elders met with us Monday morning, over breakfast, to formally offer the ministry positions. Having worked toward this decision for five months, having been wrapped warmly in the arms of the church the entire weekend, finding authentic, gentle, Godly shepherding in the elders as well as a mentor, coach and experienced minister in Michael...we had no reservations, and accepted their offer. Allison has been hired as the part-time Children's Minister, and Patrick has been hired as the full-time Youth Minister.

Patrick will begin work April 18, returning to Nashville on May 3 for Allison's graduation and to pack all of their belongings. We will begin our drive to Coeur d'Alene on May 14, planning to arrive on the 18th. Allison will stay in town for about a week, until their new home is settled and organized, and then return to Tennessee. Patrick will fly to Nashville on June 11 for their wedding later that week. After a honeymoon near Pigeon Forge, the Fords will both fly up to Coeur d'Alene to begin their life and ministry together there.

Please keep us in your hearts and in your prayers. Keep our mailbox and email full of your encouragement. Keep a word of blessing on the tip of your tongue.

Beginnings